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Why Maimonides Falls Short and Psychedelics Matter - Rabbi Yuval Cherlow in Conversation
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“In His Image: Why Maimonides Alone Isn’t Enough & Psychedelics Have Their Place — A Conversation with Rabbi Yuval Cherlow”
In this episode of Truths: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Rabbi Dr. Levi Brackman sits down with the esteemed Rabbi Yuval Cherlow to ask: Can a purely intellectual theology—à la Maimonides—ever deliver the full depth of Jewish transcendence? And might there be a role, however careful and halakhically framed, for psychedelics in our modern quest for ecstasy?
Episode Highlights
1. Beyond Maimonides: The Limits of Pure Reason
Why the Rambam’s philosophic approach, while indispensable, must be complemented by embodied practices if we’re to move from head-knowledge to heart-awakening.
2. Divine Image & Moral Freedom
What “b’tzelem Elokim” really entails—our autonomy, accountability, and even our right to wrestle with God.
3. Sacred Experiments: Psychedelics & Ecstasy
Under what conditions, if any, might psychedelics serve as catalysts for genuine awe—and how do we weigh their dangers against their potential to unlock the soul?
4. Consciousness & the Soul
How our capacity to recognize another’s inner life—and to engage in honest dialogue with the Divine—marks us as God’s image-bearers.
5. From Theory to Practice
Why Jewish wisdom must first shape our everyday ethical choices before it can lift us into mystical heights—and how simple rituals (even a bit of wine) can open the door to ecstasy.
About Rabbi Yuval Cherlow
Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Hesder Amit Orot Shaul, Tel Aviv
Director, Tzohar Center for Jewish Ethics; ethical advisor to Israel’s Ministry of Health
Co-founder, Tzohar (1995) — building bridges between religious and secular Israelis
Former IDF reserve company commander; alumnus of Yeshivat Har Etzion
Author of BeTzalmo (In His Image) and numerous responsa volumes on freedom, responsibility, and our divine spark
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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.
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